Choosing the right diet for your British Shorthair cat is a fundamental aspect of ensuring their health and happiness. As many cat parents find themselves overwhelmed by the plethora of options and opinions, this guide aims to demystify the process by sharing practical experiences and expert advice.
Understanding Your British Shorthair’s Nutritional Needs
The dietary choices you make significantly impact your cat’s well-being. While there’s ongoing debate among breeders and experts regarding the “best” diet, understanding the core principles of feline nutrition is key.
The Experience with Raw Food Diets
Our journey with the British Shorthair breed began with feeding a raw food diet exclusively, a path strongly encouraged by the community. This involved a rigorous process of preparing balanced raw meals, including grinding meats, organs, and specific supplements. The preparation was time-consuming, often demanding entire mornings every second weekend, and required dedicated freezer space. The hands-on nature of prepping raw organs and the associated mess proved to be a significant challenge.
While the cats initially enjoyed the raw food, issues arose such as uneaten portions leading to spoilage and an overall difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight. Occasional treats like egg yolks and chicken wings even resulted in vomiting, and some British Shorthair health issues were observed.
Pros of raw feeding:
- Natural
- Trendy
- Potentially cost-effective
Cons of raw feeding:
- Extremely time-consuming
- Prone to spoilage
- Unpleasant odors
- Physically demanding
- Limits travel
- Requires additional equipment
Veterinary Insights on Raw Feeding
Our veterinarian, a cat specialist and experienced breeder, advises against raw food diets due to the high incidence of bacterial infections and diseases linked to it. She recommended switching to Royal Canin Mother & Baby for females and Iams Proactive Health for males, specifically tailored for breeding British Shorthairs. Importantly, she noted that fish or fish-containing products can be detrimental to the health of a British Shorthair cat.
Recommended Diets for British Shorthairs
Based on our experience and veterinary guidance, we advocate for the following feeding strategies:
For Female British Shorthairs
Our cattery exclusively feeds its female British Shorthair cats Royal Canin Mother & Baby dry food and wet food. This diet has shown improved recovery rates for the females and optimal development for the kittens. Our vet specifically recommends Royal Canin for British Shorthair cats.
For Male British Shorthairs
Male British Shorthair cats are fed Iams Proactive Health adult dry food. An excellent alternative, particularly for this breed, is Royal Canin’s Digestive Care Dry Cat Food, designed for British Shorthair male cats. These diets help maintain a healthy weight without the leanness sometimes associated with raw feeding.
For Kittens
Kittens begin weaning around 4-5 weeks old and are introduced to Royal Canin Mother & Baby canned wet food. Royal Canin is considered the best dry food for a British Shorthair kitten, with Tikicat Thrive Baby sachets serving as a highly palatable supplement or treat. Mother & Baby Cat dry food is also available at all times for kittens needing extra nutrition between meals. Once kittens reach four months, they can transition to Royal Canin Kitten dry and wet food.
Making the Final Decision
Ultimately, there is no single “correct” diet for every British Shorthair cat. The most crucial factor is providing a high-quality food that ensures your cat remains healthy and content. Observe your cat’s overall condition: a plush, shiny coat, normal stools, and minimal vomiting are good indicators of a suitable diet. If your cat is thriving and happy on its current food, it is likely the best choice for them.
Further Reading:
- Proven Litter Boxes – What a British Cat Breeder Uses
- Why Are Lilac Cats So Popular? Meet Our Stunning Poppy
- 7 Items That Will Make Your British Shorthair Cat Love You
- Simple Guide: Find The Best British Shorthair Cat Breeder
